Infractions, misdemeanors and felonies are classifications of crimes/ public offenses. "Crimes and public offenses include: 1. Felonies; 2. Misdemeanors; and 3. Infractions." (Pen. Code section 16) “A crime or public offense is an act committed or omitted in violation...

There is a misconception that the victim of a crime or the police “press charges.” In reality, the only people who can actually press charges in the criminal realm are prosecutors (and grand juries more rarely in CA). The victim doesn’t choose to press charges and...

The right to own and possess firearms in the United States (and California) is not absolute. One way to lose your gun rights is to be convicted of a felony offense anywhere in the United States. California Penal Code section 29800 makes it a felony offense for any...

In Butte County, punishment through fines and license suspension for the crime of being a minor in possession are imposed rather than diversion and education. The choice to utilize these consequences can be assumed to be for their deterrent value. For many years,...